By Mike Rwothomio 

The Alur Kingdom has strongly denounced the escalating rate of marriage dissolutions, calling on married women to prioritise family unity and resolve minor misunderstandings amicably rather than abandoning their homes, husbands, and children.

Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, Prime Minister of the Alur Kingdom, made the appeal while addressing hundreds of mourners at the burial of the late Natalina Oyullu Owechi , mother of Zombo District LCV Chairperson James Oyullu Oruna.

The funeral took place on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Pakadha Primary School playground in Pakadha Parish, Abanga Sub-county.

The deceased, described as a God-fearing and dedicated mother, passed away on Thursday last week at the age of 66 after a short illness.

Leading the Alur Kingdom delegation, Jadipu Opar eulogised the late Natalina as “a strong woman” who remained committed to her family for years, raising her children into responsible citizens without abandoning them.

He criticised the current trend among some young women, whom he said are “always on transit” away from their marital homes.

Opar attributed part of the problem to financial empowerment, which he said sometimes breeds pride and leads to marriage breakups.

Zombo District Chairman LC5 James Oruna Oyulu (centre in black dress) introducing his siblings and their children present at the funeral ceremony of his mother, the late Natalina Oweci.

“I want to commend our daughter Natalina for living here to raise her children into responsible citizens,” Opar said, while also warning the community against grabbing land and other properties belonging to the deceased’s children.

He added: “Many women are on transit from their marriage. It becomes worse when they are getting money; they always say they have arrived.”

The remarks come amid rising divorce cases in Uganda. Court statistics indicate that by the end of September 2025, the Family Division of the High Court had registered over 1,300 divorce petitions, with approximately 80% filed by women citing issues such as domestic violence, cruelty, infidelity, desertion, and financial problems.

James Oyullu Oruna, the Zombo LCV Chairperson, delivered an emotional tribute to his mother. “My mother died after some illness that we struggled with, but God wanted it to be like that,” he said. 

He thanked family members, district leaders, security personnel, and friends for their support during the difficult period.

Patrick Oyulu , the Alur Kingdom’s Royal Envoy in the USA and one of the deceased’s stepsons, expressed gratitude to the Alur Kingdom delegation.

In a message, he thanked Prince Angala for conveying condolences from His Majesty Rwoth Ubimu Philip Olarker Rauni III.

“Your presence carried the dignity, comfort, and solidarity of the Kingdom to our family during a very difficult moment, and for that we are deeply grateful,” Oyulu said, requesting that his appreciation be conveyed to the King.

Rev. Father David Kimakech, curate of Abanga Catholic Parish and the main celebrant, urged believers to “age gracefully and live a Godly life,” praising the late Natalina’s deep faith and commitment to the Church.

Zombo Assistant RDC Bruno Mananu called on the family to remain strong, describing death as an inevitable part of life, and commended the public for turning up in large numbers.

Family members expressed appreciation to all who stood with them in their moment of grief and prayed for God’s blessings.

Prime Minister (Jadipu) Prince Lawrence Opar Angala poses for a group photo with a cross section of Ker Alur chiefs from Zombo District led by their chairman Rwoth Evaristo Kerunega Rini 1V of Avari Chiefdom (4th right) and Hon John Wapokra (3rd right) Ministry of Lands and Production; Hon Juliet Umika Oromcan (5th right) and Director of Youth and Sports Kumakech soon after the Requiem Mass before burial of the late Natalina Oweci, mother to Hon James Oruna Oyulu, Chairman of Zombo District at Pakadha Primary School playground in Abanga Subcounty, Zombo District on 11th May 2025.

Mike Rwothomio is the News Editor at Zoomer Africa, your trusted grassroots information hub for African stories, voices, and updates.